BASINGSTOKE II 1, ALTON 5

ALTON made the perfect start to the new year as they crushed Basingstoke 2nd XI and brought the Hampshire 2 leaders’ unbeaten run to an abrupt end.

Alton’s good form before Christmas had boosted their confidence and they were determined to give the game their all.

From the first whistle, Basingstoke were taken aback by the pace of Alton’s game. In particular, Sam Juncker and Alec Hudson caused problems as the visitors pressed for a breakthrough.

With less than ten minutes gone, the pressure paid off. Basingstoke defended a short corner, but failed to clear their lines and Pete Howland was on hand to fire home the opening goal.

Going behind, Basingstoke were in unfamiliar territory and Alton went for the jugular. A slick team move sent Juncker into the circle and the young forward calmly slid the ball under the advancing keeper.

Basingstoke began to find their shape, but were held at bay by the hard-working Alton defence, led by Scott Reading and Pete Harvey. After a spell of Basingstoke pressure, Alton broke out and Hudson shook off his marker to bury the ball in the bottom corner.

Shortly before half-time, a penalty flick offered the leaders a way back, but Lawrence Jones guessed right and saved the shot to preserve the 3-0 lead at the break.

Alton needed more of the same in the second half to ensure victory, but it was immediately clear that Basingstoke had moved up a gear as they threw everything at their opponents. But frustration started to set in as the Alton defence stood strong. Soon, Alton were back on the attack and a string of short corners resulted in the killer fourth goal, Reading scoring with a straight strike.

Alton refused to let up and pulled the league leaders all over the pitch. Another superb team move released Hudson who slapped the ball into the bottom corner: 5-0.

Basingstoke’s final push earned them a flurry of short corners and they finally squeezed the ball home for a consolation goal.

With this huge victory under their belts, Alton now prepare for another crunch game this Saturday when they host second-placed Chichester III.

Alton V 2, Salisbury IV 0 (Hants 9). Goals in each half from Jonny Maddock and Toby Pascoe was enough to secure a comfortable win for Alton fifths. Josh Cranston was man of the match for a mature display in defence.